PROGRAM AREA OVERVIEW

OFFICE OF ELECTRICITY DELIVERY AND ENERGY RELIABILITY

 

The U.S. electric power sector is a critical part of our society.  The electricity industry is a mix of investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, cooperatives, and federal power utilities.  In addition, electricity is also generated from non-utility power producers.  The nation’s electric grid must be protected from unacceptable risks, multi-regional blackouts and natural disasters.  Therefore, the mission of the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) is to lead national efforts in applied research and development to modernize the electric grid for enhanced security and reliability.  A modernized grid will significantly improve the Nation’s electricity reliability, efficiency, and affordability, and contribute to economic and national security. 

 

OE supports research and development efforts to eliminate bottlenecks, foster competitive electricity markets, and expand technology choices.  For example, the risk of multi-regional blackouts and natural disasters can be reduced through the application of  better visualization and controls of the electric grid, superconductivity for electric systems, advanced cable designs, energy storage and power electronics, and use of renewable and distributed systems integration.